The Good New Stuff

The Good New Stuff is a 1999 science fiction anthology edited by Gardner Dozois that collects seventeen stories from the late 1970s through the 1990s. The collection focuses on adventure-oriented science fiction that carries forward the genre's tradition of exploration, discovery, and bold ventures into the unknown. The anthology features works from prominent authors including George R.R. Martin, Bruce Sterling, John Varley, and Peter F. Hamilton. Each story maintains core science fiction elements while ranging across various settings - from deep space to alien worlds to future Earth scenarios. The collection acts as a companion volume to Dozois's earlier anthology The Good Old Stuff, with both works being combined in an omnibus edition titled The Good Stuff. The stories appear in their complete original forms, accompanied by a preface from Dozois providing context about the selection and the genre. The anthology demonstrates how modern science fiction authors continue to build upon classic adventure themes while incorporating contemporary scientific understanding and social perspectives. The works explore human encounters with the unknown while examining questions of technology, first contact, and humanity's place in the cosmos.

Readers appreciate this anthology's focus on hopeful, optimistic science fiction from the 1980s and 1990s. Many note it provides a refreshing counterpoint to cyberpunk and dystopian stories of the era. Positive comments highlight: - The diversity of writing styles and themes - Strong character development across most stories - Dozois's insightful introductions to each piece - The mix of established authors and lesser-known voices Common criticisms: - Some stories feel dated in their technology descriptions - A few readers found certain selections too long - The optimistic mandate sometimes leads to predictable endings Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 reviews) Notable reader quotes: "A needed reminder that sci-fi can inspire rather than just warn." - Goodreads reviewer "The commentary between stories adds valuable context." - Amazon review "Hit-or-miss collection - about 2/3 of the stories really work." - LibraryThing user

The Year's Best Science Fiction: Thirty-Fifth Annual Collection by Gardner Dozois A comprehensive anthology of science fiction stories from 2017 that continues the tradition of showcasing emerging and established voices in the genre.

The Big Book of Science Fiction by Ann, Jeff VanderMeer This collection spans from the 1920s to the 2000s with translations from multiple languages and represents the evolution of science fiction through time.

The Very Best of the Best: 35 Years of The Year's Best Science Fiction by Gardner Dozois The final anthology edited by Dozois presents his selection of the finest science fiction stories published between 1983 and 2017.

The New Space Opera by Gardner Dozois, Jonathan Strahan This collection focuses on space opera stories that blend traditional science fiction elements with contemporary literary approaches.

Future Crimes by Jack Dann and Gardner Dozois An anthology that combines elements of crime fiction with science fiction, featuring stories about future law enforcement, criminal enterprises, and justice systems.

🌟 Gardner Dozois edited The Year's Best Science Fiction anthology series for an impressive 35 consecutive years (1984-2018). 🚀 Before becoming one of science fiction's most influential editors, Dozois won two Nebula Awards for his own short fiction writing. 📚 The term "cyberpunk" was popularized through Dozois's critical work, though he credits Bruce Bethke's 1983 short story for coining it. 🏆 He won 15 Hugo Awards for Best Professional Editor, making him one of the most decorated editors in science fiction history. 🌠 As fiction editor at Asimov's Science Fiction magazine (1984-2004), Dozois helped launch the careers of many notable authors who would later appear in his anthologies.